CLSA Hosts 1st Annual MedTech Showcase Reception in Sacramento

On Tuesday, August 20th, CLSA welcomed a host of lawmakers, legislative staffers, and other key stakeholders to a first of its kind medical device showcase reception in Sacramento.

Nearly ten CLSA member companies participated in the showcase exhibiting device, diagnostics, and digital health technologies to educate the lawmakers and their staffers. This program was hosted in partnership with the California Select Committee on Biotechnology, the California State Technology Caucus, and the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed).

The purpose of this event was to promote and publicize the incredible devices and technologies California’s medical technology sector is bringing to the patients across the globe and the impact it has on the state’s economy. Medical devices and diagnostics have resulted in people to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Between 1980 and 2010 advanced medical technology helped reduce the duration of hospital stays by 58%.

The program included several member companies showcasing their products. Edwards Lifesciences’ Sapien 3 Ultra transcatheter heart valve, which continues to raise the bar as the most widely studied valve, was on display among other items. Roche Diagnostics, a member of the Roche Group, showcased the Cobas® Liat PCR system that allows the healthcare professionals to detect and identity Influenza A/B, Influenza A/B & RSV, and Strep A – in their own clinics. Known as one of the largest medical device companies in the country, Medtronic, educated attendees about pacemakers and its clot retrieval thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

One of the most commonly used, as well as the device that transformed diabetes care, the continuous glucose monitor, was also on display at the event. Dexcom showcased its G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), a device that continuously measures glucose levels just beneath the skin and sends data wirelessly to a display device through a transmitter. One of the patients provided her perspective regarding living with diabetes and wearing the device. BD, one of the largest global medical technology company, shared information about BD HealthSight, a platform for enterprise medication management which is a unique combination of connective technologies, analytics and expert services that close gaps and create seamless visibility across BD medication management. Lastly, the first of its kind and the only FDA approved digital sensor technology by the Proteus Digital Health was exhibited at the event. The Proteus Discover® technology is designed to help patients know they have taken each dose of their medication. The ingestible sensor which is encapsulated in the medication sends a signal to the patch allowing it to record whether the medication was taken.

The event attracted nearly 20 state legislators and approximately 10 legislative staffers among the 70 attendees. Many lawmakers praised the event and encouraged CLSA staff to continue hosting educational events such as the MedTech Showcase Reception. CLSA will continue to host events in the state capital to educate the legislature on issues of critical importance to the life sciences industry in California. If you have any thoughts on potential educational events, briefings, or would like to participate in future events, please contact Oliver Rocroi, Vice President of State Government Relations (orocroi@califesciences.org).